Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/125

Rh and compact condition is of the utmost importance to the permanent safety of the superstructure, which, by the care and skill of its builders, alike shewn in their choice of materials and ability in the use of them, retains a strong hold upon its massy foundations after long exposure to the excessive and repeated injuries it has suffered. . . . . It abuts upon a pier of the bridge between two of the main arches. . . . . The breadth at this extremity is limited to about nine feet, in order to prevent further impediment to the impetuous course of the Calder than is occasioned by the resistance of the pier itself.

"This precaution has given rise to the most clever contrivances:—

"The basement becomes gradually increased by a slant on each side, the impending superstructure being carried over a bold projection by means of radiating corbels.

"This gain in space is surmounted by another continuous line of corbelling on each side, altogether thirty-five feet in length, and jutting forward so far towards the north and south, that the lateral walls are actually made to press their entire weight upon the outer verge of the deep and finely-moulded corbels, with the exception of an inconsiderable portion at the eastern extremities, which rests in the accustomed manner on the walls beneath, beyond the point at which the necessary width for the Chapel had been acquired, without encroachment on the current's passage.

"By the same ingenious application of corbels, the Chapel at Rotherham is sprung over two of the arches of the bridge, against a pier of which it is built.

"Although the water washes the plinth on both sides, and sometimes rises several feet above the bank, it has never occasioned any material injury to the structure or the material of which it is built. . . . . . The parapet is full of sculptures beneath triple canopies richly groined and ornamented with pinnacles, over which rise the battlements completing the design."

The authors of this interesting work have concluded, from architectural peculiarities, that it may confidently be ascribed to the beginning of the fourteenth century, or the reign of Edward II. It must, however, be observed, that the peculiar features of military costume, displayed in the curi-